Since the outbreak of COVID-19, new virus mutants have been emerging. Since January 2022, Omicron has become a major global epidemic strain. Recently, the Omicron variant XBB circulating abroad has aroused a new round of attention. Data from different surveys show that the prevalence rate of diarrhea after infection with the novel coronavirus XBB variant is about 2%-49.5%. The typical clinical manifestations are watery stools with an average number of stools of 3-4 times. The symptoms are mild and self-limited with an average course of disease of 3-5 days.
The possible mechanisms of COVID-19 diarrhea are as follows: 1. During the replication process of the virus into intestinal cells, inflammation is triggered, pro-inflammatory factors are released and intestinal permeability is increased; 2. The porin of the novel coronavirus can directly affect ion balance and cause diarrhea. 2. When the novel coronavirus enters the intestinal epithelium and binds to it, it down-regulates the expression of ACE2 receptors, thereby damaging the intestinal mucosal barrier, increasing local and systemic immune responses, and affecting the intestinal microecological balance.
The website of the Medical Administration Medical Authority published an article titled "Interpretation of the Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia Diagnosis and Treatment Plan (Trial Version 4)", which mentions the related content of micro-ecological therapy: "Successful treatment of severe and critical cases is the key to reducing the fatality rate. ... Intestinal microecological regulators can be used to maintain intestinal microecological balance and prevent secondary bacterial infection. Convalescent plasma therapy may be considered if conditions permit."
In conclusion, intestinal health and homeostasis of microflora are of great significance to human health. Alginate Oligosaccharide (AOS) is the natural product of alginate degradation, which has the potential to improve many physiological functions. For example, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of AOS play an important role in preventing infection by pathogens. In addition, studies from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences have shown that AOS ameliorates the intestinal damage induced by Bai Xiaoan treatment by improving the epithelial barrier and intestinal function.
Bifidobacterium is a kind of obligate anaerobic gram-positive probiotics, which is an important class of physiological bacteria and the dominant bacteria in the normal intestinal flora. It has the function of regulating the intestinal microecological balance, inhibiting the growth of intestinal pathogens and the development of putrid bacteria. AOS is a recognized bifidobacterium factor. It was found that AOS can stimulate the growth of bifidobacterium and lactic acid bacteria through in vitro culture tests. When 2.5% AOS was added to mouse diets, it selectively increased the amounts of bifidobacterium and lactobacillus and decreased the amounts of Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus in mouse faeces. When the concentration of AOS is 0.625g/L -- 1.25g/L, the adaptation period of bifidobacterium growth can be significantly shortened and bifidobacterium can grow in large numbers. AOS treatment increases the abundance of beneficial microorganisms while inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut, thereby maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelium, which in turn promotes the digestion and absorption of nutrients, and improves the function of the immune system.
Alginate Oligosaccharide significantly regulates intestinal microbial community, improves lipid and blood glucose metabolism, and reduces inflammation
In addition, Alginate Oligosaccharide is a kind of high quality dietary fiber, can effectively prevent the formation of constipation, promote gastrointestinal peristalsis. As an antidote, Alginate Oligosaccharide can adsorb the toxic heavy metals including Pb, Sn, Cd, etc., and expel them from the body to relieve the deposition of these substances in the human body.
Alginate Oligosaccharide has low molecular weight and has the physical and chemical properties of strong water solubility, high stability, safety and non-toxic. With the deepening of research on the physiological activity of Alginate Oligosaccharide, A series of new drugs and functional foods based on Alginate Oligosaccharide with high efficacy and low side effects will provide new guarantee for human health.
References:
1. Alginate oligosaccharide improves lipid metabolism and inflammation by modulating gut microbiota in high-fat diet fed mice
2 "Progress in the preparation methods and Biological activity of Alginate oligosaccharide"